Chicken Noodle Soup: American Cheese's Best Friend?

is chicken noodle soup good with american cheese

Chicken noodle soup is a comforting meal, often enjoyed on cold days. It is typically made with chicken broth, vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions, and, of course, noodles. While it is a tasty dish on its own, some people like to add cheese to their soup to make it even more indulgent and satisfying. Common cheeses used in chicken noodle soup include cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese. American cheese can also be added to chicken noodle soup, as it melts well and adds a creamy texture.

Characteristics Values
Preparation time 30 minutes
Ingredients Chicken, cheese soup, chicken broth, milk, celery, carrots, egg noodles, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, parsley
Sides Salad, bread, rolls, fruit salad, Parmesan garlic knots, biscuits, grilled cheese sandwich, French baguettes, toasted garlic bread
Storage Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; can be frozen for up to 3 months
Calories 308kcal
Carbohydrates 18g
Protein 16g
Fat 19g
Sodium 954mg
Fiber 1g
Sugar 3g

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Chicken noodle soup recipes

Chicken noodle soup is a comforting and tasty dish, perfect for cold winter nights or when you're feeling under the weather. The great thing about this soup is its versatility—you can use a variety of ingredients and customize it to your taste. Here are some delicious chicken noodle soup recipes to try:

Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

This recipe is perfect when you're short on time but still want a comforting bowl of soup. It can be on your table in just 40 minutes! Here's what you'll need:

  • Butter
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped celery
  • Chicken broth
  • Noodles
  • Cooked chicken breasts or leftover rotisserie chicken

To make the soup, start by cooking the diced onions and chopped celery in butter until they're tender. Then, add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Finally, add the noodles and cook until they're al dente. If using store-bought noodles, be careful not to overcook them. Season with bay leaves, garlic, herbes de Provence, rosemary, or thyme for extra flavor.

Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup

For a heartier version, you can add some extra ingredients and let the soup simmer to develop even more flavor. Here's what you'll need:

  • Butter
  • Diced onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Chicken broth
  • Noodles
  • Cooked chicken

Follow the same initial steps as the previous recipe, but add the garlic along with the onions, carrots, and celery. You can also add dried basil and oregano for a warm, earthy flavor. After adding the chicken broth, let the soup simmer gently for a more intense flavor. Finally, add the noodles and cooked chicken, and adjust seasoning to taste.

Cheesy Chicken Noodle Soup

For a creamy and indulgent twist, try adding some cheese to your chicken noodle soup. This recipe takes less than 30 minutes and is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Here's what you'll need:

  • Chicken
  • Cheese soup
  • Chicken broth
  • Milk
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Egg noodles
  • Cheddar cheese

Combine all the ingredients except the noodles, cheese, and seasoning in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are soft. Then, add the uncooked noodles and shredded cheddar cheese, and cook for about 5 minutes until the noodles are soft. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips for Customization and Storage

Chicken noodle soup is a versatile dish, and you can customize it to your taste. Here are some tips to make it your own:

  • Use homemade chicken stock or broth for a deeper flavor.
  • Try different types of noodles, such as homemade egg noodles or tortellini.
  • Add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or mushrooms for more nutrition.
  • Experiment with different types of chicken, such as chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken.
  • For a tangy twist, add a dash of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar.

Chicken noodle soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3-6 months. When reheating frozen soup, add a splash of extra broth or water to adjust the consistency.

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Adding American cheese to soup

Adding cheese to chicken noodle soup is a great way to elevate this classic comfort food. While there are no set rules, and you can get creative with your ingredients, here are some tips and tricks for adding American cheese to your soup.

Firstly, it's important to note that cheese is fatty, and fat is hydrophobic, so it won't mix easily with the water in the soup. This can result in clumps of cheese floating in your soup. To avoid this, you can use a small amount of sodium citrate, an emulsifying salt. Simply add some milk to the sodium citrate and then melt your cheese into this mixture. This will alter the water-repelling properties of the cheese, allowing it to mix more easily into your soup.

If you don't want to use sodium citrate, you can try adding the cheese to your soup after it's been taken off the heat. This will help prevent the cheese from separating too much and floating in clumps. Slowly sprinkle the grated American cheese over the soup, using a spoon to gently push it into the hot liquid. Cover the pot and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This method should result in a smooth and creamy cheese sauce that blends beautifully with your soup.

Additionally, when adding cheese to chicken noodle soup, it's best to use a mild variety rather than a sharp one. This will help prevent the cheese from hardening in your soup as you eat it. You can also try blending the soup to incorporate the cheese fully and create a smooth, homogeneous texture.

For a quick and easy chicken noodle soup recipe, you'll need butter, onions, celery, chicken broth, vegetable broth, chicken, egg noodles, carrots, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Melt the butter in a large pot, add the onions and celery, and cook until tender. Then, add the remaining ingredients, bringing the soup to a boil before reducing the heat and simmering until the noodles are soft. Finally, stir in your shredded American cheese until it's melted and fully incorporated.

Chicken noodle soup is a versatile dish that can be paired with various sides, such as biscuits, grilled cheese sandwiches, or classic dinner rolls. By adding American cheese to your soup and experimenting with different recipes and techniques, you can create a comforting and indulgent meal.

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Other cheese options for chicken noodle soup

While some people like to add American cheese to their chicken noodle soup, there are several other cheese options that you can use to enhance the flavour of your soup.

One popular option is cheddar cheese. Cheddar cheese has a strong and tangy flavour that can add a nice sharpness to the soup. It melts well and can make the soup extra creamy and cheesy. You can also sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese on top of the soup for an even more indulgent experience.

Another option is Parmesan cheese. Parmesan has a strong, nutty flavour that can add depth to the soup. It is also a hard cheese, so it can be grated into the soup and will melt easily. Parmesan cheese can also be used as a garnish, adding a salty and crunchy element to the dish.

If you're looking for a creamier option, cream cheese is also a great choice. It has a rich and creamy texture that can make the soup extra indulgent and smooth. Cream cheese also has a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients in the soup.

For a unique twist, you can try using a combination of cheeses. For example, you could use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, or even add some crumbled blue cheese for a tangy and savoury flavour.

No matter which cheese you choose, adding it to your chicken noodle soup can elevate the dish and make it even more comforting and satisfying.

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Chicken noodle soup side dishes

Chicken noodle soup is a comforting dish, perfect for cold winter days or when you're feeling under the weather. While it can be a meal on its own, serving it with a few sides can elevate the dining experience. Here are some side dish ideas to pair with your chicken noodle soup:

Grilled Cheese

A classic grilled cheese sandwich is a popular choice to accompany chicken noodle soup. The melted cheese and toasted bread provide a satisfying contrast to the soup's texture and flavour. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or American cheese, to add a creamy and savoury element to the dish.

Crusty Bread

A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dunking into your chicken noodle soup. The crisp exterior and soft interior of the bread add a satisfying texture to your meal. Pretzel bread is also a unique option, offering a mild flavour with a hint of saltiness that pairs well with the soup.

Salads

A fresh and crisp salad can balance out the richness of the soup. You can opt for a simple garden salad with lettuce, tomatoes, carrot ribbons, and cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Or, try something more indulgent like a strawberry pecan salad with a balsamic dressing sweetened with natural strawberries.

Potato Dishes

Potato-based sides are a great way to make your meal more filling and satisfying. Potato puffs, made with mashed potatoes formed into small balls and deep-fried, are a fun option that is especially popular with kids. Alternatively, a classic potato salad is always a good choice, providing a hearty and flavourful side dish.

Rolls and Muffins

Buttery dinner rolls or soft, buttery rolls are excellent for soaking up the delicious broth of the soup. For a cheesy option, try the savoury Cheddar Chive Muffins, which are moist, flavourful, and can be frozen for quick sides later.

These side dish ideas will enhance your chicken noodle soup, making it a more well-rounded and enjoyable meal. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pairing!

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Storing chicken noodle soup

Chicken noodle soup is a great dish to store in the fridge or freezer for a comforting meal on a chilly day or when you're feeling under the weather. Here are some tips for storing chicken noodle soup:

It is safe to put warm soup in the refrigerator, but it should be fully cooled first to prevent bacteria growth. To cool the soup quickly, ladle it into smaller containers. If you don't have smaller containers, place the soup pot in a large bowl of ice and water. Store the soup in a tightly sealed container, and it will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

Chicken noodle soup can be frozen for up to 3 to 4 months. However, the noodles may get mushy when frozen and reheated. To avoid this, it is recommended to cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup only when serving. If you choose to freeze the soup with the noodles, use freezer-safe sealable bags or containers, leaving about half an inch of headspace for expansion. Label and date the bags before sealing. Remember to cool the soup completely before freezing to maintain food safety and avoid defrosting other items in your freezer.

Reheating Chicken Noodle Soup:

To reheat the soup, ladle it into a bowl and use a microwave or stovetop. If you froze the soup without noodles, cook the noodles separately and add them to the reheated soup. You can also add a splash of extra broth or water to adjust the consistency when reheating.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can add American cheese to chicken noodle soup. It is best to add cheese to the soup after it has been removed from the heat to prevent the cheese from clumping together.

Other types of cheese that can be added to chicken noodle soup include cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, blue cheese, and cream cheese.

Chicken noodle soup is a filling meal on its own, but it can be paired with bread or crackers to soak up the broth. Some side dish suggestions include biscuits, grilled cheese sandwiches, French baguettes, dinner rolls, and garlic bread.

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